Takoradi, March 17,- GNA- Mr. Kwasi Ankamah, Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, on Friday said the passage of the Representation of People Amendment Bill (ROPAB) is in line with the policy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to promote the human rights of all citizens of the country. He was speaking at a meeting of the Western Regional Executive Committee of the NPP at Takoradi.

Mr Ankamah said the bill would give Ghanaians resident abroad to vote in national elections as all citizens of the country. He said if military personnel on peacekeeping duties are able to vote in national elections, Ghanaians abroad should also enjoy that right. Mr Ankamah said the NPP has always fought for human rights, including the right of all citizens to exercise their franchise. He called for cordial relationship between District Chief Executives and executives of the Party to strengthen the Party to win the 2008 elections.

Mr. Ankamah said the party lost some seats in the last elections because of the disharmony between District Chief Executives and District executives of the party. He said the party would put up many new candidates for the 2008 elections. It is, therefore, necessary that District Chief Executives and District Party executives work in concert so that the new candidates would not be saddled with problems, Mr Ankamah said. He said the government has put in place micro financing schemes and urged the people to take advantage of them. Mr Ankamah said those who obtain loans under the schemes should repay them for others to benefit. He said the government has established an Employment Task Force to tackle the unemployment problem.

Mr Ankamah said Community Police would be established to compliment the work of the Ghana Police Service. Mr Abdul Rahman Mussah, third national vice-chairman of the NPP, inaugurated the regional finance and disciplinary sub-committees of the party as well as the regional council of elders. He advised District Chief Executives to work in concert with the government to develop their areas.

Mr Mussah urged the people to be patient and bear with the government when some of its economic policies cause hardship. He said the country has a bright future because of the policies of the NPP government. Nana Owusu Ankomah, Regional Chairman of the Party, announced the death of Nana Fosu Blankson, Regional Second Vice Chairman of the party.